| What makes it historical? |
In 1858, President James Buchanan sent 1/3 of the entire US Army to Fairfield, Utah to put down a rumored Mormon revolt! They spent $200,000 to buid this camp, named for Secretary of War, John Floyd, and made Fairfield the third largest city in Utah. At its height, Camp Floyd was the largest military installation in the whole United States! There was just one problem: there was no Mormon rebellion!
So why the heck had the US government put so many resources into this far-flung camp in Utah? Well, it was a great distraction from more pressing matters on the East Coast, like slavery, but also, President Buchanan thought he could reunite a divided country by making Utah and the Mormons a common enemy. In fact, Utah’s first non-Mormon newspaper, The Valley Tan ran for two years here! Founded by Kirk Anderson, the paper was originally in opposition of Mormon leadership but changed hands after two years and started to support Mormon political candidates.
In any case, the strategy of distraction didn’t work! After three years with no combat, Camp Floyd was dismantled and its troops reassigned to take part in the Civil War. Today, only the commissary remains to tell the tale! |
| How can I Help the Helpers? |
HERE’S HOW:
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with Utah State Parks!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
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